Sexual Assault

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual assault is any type of sexual contact or behavior that occurs without the explicit consent of the recipient. Falling under the definition of sexual assault are sexual activities as forced sexual intercourse, forcible sodomy, child molestation, incest, fondling, and attempted rape.

-United States Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women

From the Pacific Lutheran University Student Rights and Responsibilities:

“Sexual Misconduct is a broad term encompassing any unwelcome behavior of a sexual nature that is committed without Consent (as PLU defines it in this policy) and/or by force, intimidation, coercion or manipulation. As defined by PLU, the term Sexual Misconduct includes Non-Consensual Sexual Intercourse, Non-Consensual Sexual Contact, Sexual Harassment, Sexual Exploitation, and Sexual Intimidation. Sexual Misconduct can be committed by a person upon another regardless of gender, and it can occur between people of the same or different sex. It can occur between strangers or acquaintances, including people involved in a current or previous intimate or sexual relationship. Sexual Misconduct may vary in its severity and consists of a range of behavior.”

Sexual Assault is not acceptable and there are services available both on and off campus. The PLU’s Advocacy Services provides resources for victims of sexual assault, including obtaining a Protection Order, learning how to increase their safety, and connecting with additional forms of support. Victims can also contact Campus Safety and Student Rights and Responsibilities.